Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-05-28
CORRESPONDENCE
A CAUSTIC LETTER.

rROSTBURd, MD, MAY 70, 1851.
To the MINING JOURNAL.
AS stated in my communication en-.
titled San Exuberance of Home
Talent" the "Two Orphans as play
ed by the Frostburg Dramatic Com
pany, proved theatrical as we'll as
financial success. Frostburg may we'll
feel proud of her amateurs, especially
when we take into consideration the
ages of the members who rendered the
"Two Orphans" There were only
three of them over twenty years. The
company showed remarkable aptitude
for stage work-from melo-drama and
tragedy to comedy. The scenery and
costumes were perfect.
The greatest annoyance to the
audience was the Interruptions by
noises elsewhere. Last night, although
Ravenscraft's Opera House had been
engaged for some time past for the
drama, renting the upper portion of
the building to other organizations on
nights of theatrical performances,
must certainly be condemned by
theatre-goers. Last night the most
shameful conduct ever heard of or
witnessed in this community was per-
mitted by tho Independent Cornet
Band in their fair. There was q pack
of "hoodlums" and other weak-minded
(but heavy-footeO rowdies, who in
dulged very wildly in tripping the
fantastic toe" in an Indian war dance
overhead. The rowdies were we'll
aware of the performance going on
below. have often seen dancing that
looked "out of the way" but that in
the fair held by the band certainly was
the most disgracefpl and horrible ever
known to a civilized community.
can't understand why the members of
the band Supposed to be an organ
ization in which order and certain
amount of respect due the public
prevail,) should have tolerated such
barbarity when they were also aware
of the entertainment going on below.
They would not have allowed anything
of the kind to occur on any other
night. 1t is hoped there will never be
a repetition of the outrages committed
by the "toughs" and "bums" of
town proud Of its own inhabitants as
law-abiding men, women and children.
1t was not only deplored by theatre
goers but by the whole population
that heard the beasts in their en-
deavor to wear out the floor with their
hOOfs.
Suspicion that it was not directed
against the Dramatic Company, but
against the Arlon Band, who were en-
gagged for the evening, is aroused. If
that is the case, so much the more
shameful. To think that the public
have to suffer from difficulty
between two brass bands ! The con-
duct of these dancing "hoodlums'' pre-
vent other people from enjoying them
selves at public balls and fairs We
all know they are fine dancers, and
are of fine breeding.
hope am justified by theatre-goers
in publicly requesting the manager
of the Opera House to refuse to lease
or rent the third floor Of the building
on the night of a theatrical per
formance.
If jealousies did not exist between
our talented people we could have the
best performances given here monthly.
The Frostburg Dramatic Company is
organized with this object in view, and
it is hoped they will continue as a
permanent organization. I think our
amateurs give better performances
than travelling companies, and they
ought to be patronized.
1t would appear, also. that this has
at last become very charitable town.
A great many inquiries have been
made as to "what they will do with the
money ?" "They ought to play for the
benefit of some charitable society,""
etc. This company played three or
four times for charitable purposes,
and turned every cent over to
the beneficiaries; now they play "on
their own merits" and think they give
value for money received, a plan
which incites better plays and inspires
performers. A great many so-called
charities are of the "La Frochard''
order. Genuine "charity always be-
gins at home.' THESPIs.